About Town: Beek
As daytime temperatures soar—just in time for a poolside Thanksgiving feast in many parts of California—sandal weather is back. Such an event sends us en masse to our closets for a classic pair of strappy flats just as the rest of the country is pulling on boots. But what happens when you need to replace your favorite style? “If you fall in love with a pair of sandals, you can still get them two years from now,” says Kenna Bertell Florie of Beek, the Newport Beach-based leather sandal line she co-founded earlier this year with longtime footwear designer and friend Birgit Klett. The Beek sandals, handcrafted in Mexico, are designed to last for years—and even include a built-in arch support—but they’re also classic styles that will be available season after season so you’ll never find yourself fruitlessly searching for replacements. Just as the temperate holiday season begins, Klett and Bertell Florie, longtime residents of Newport Beach, tell us their favorite places to wear sandals.
By Elizabeth Varnell
LAGUNA SUPPLY Our go-to destination for beautiful clothing, footwear, and accessories. Owners Dana Marron and Laura Hart are our dear friends and they make you feel like you are shopping in their cute little yellow cottage. A must-visit.
ALTA COFFEE It’s right around the corner from our office in Cannery Village. Amazing coffee and scones. Plus we love that it’s hard to find, filled with locals and super casual.
A MARKET The most epic BLT ever. We don’t know why it’s so good but they do something magical to it. We like to split one and get it with Patsy’s Salad. And grab a cookie on the way out!
NEWPORT BAY DUFFY RIDE Our favorite thing to do is putz around the bay in a Duffy boat with a bottle of champagne or wine. If you can’t borrow one, you can easily rent them through the Duffy dealership. And you can visit restaurants on the water; our favorites are Blue Water Grill, the Cannery Restaurant, and Pizza Nova, and they’ll deliver cocktails to your boat!
THE DOCK RESTAURANT Perfect for date night. A small little house made into a restaurant, that’s right on the water in Newport that probably only seats about 60 people. The Himachi appetizer is the best in town and the wine list (the owners formerly had a wine store) is amazing. Ask for a table on the water.
SESSIONS If you’re looking for a gourmet sandwich in a surf-style setting, then this is your place. Order the meddock mele (with jalapeños and buttermilk dressing).
LA CAVE RESTAURANT Kinda like an old-school speak-easy. Very dark. Stiff cocktails. The best filet in town. And at night, amazing jazz bands play in the back room. You’ll think you’ve been transported to the 1930s.
AMAREE’S A life-changing shopping experience. That may be an exaggeration, but we promise you that you’ve never seen a shop as beautiful as this. The displays, the clothing, the staff are all gorgeous. A must for anyone who loves fashion.
SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH An easy surfing beach. You’ll see all the salty dogs and surfing families. Smuggle in a bottle of wine, sit on the beach and enjoy the sunset. It’s the quintessential Southern California experience.
CRYSTAL COVE A blast back in time with the original beach houses built on the sand (you can even rent them!). And the Beachcomber Cafe serves some decent wine and killer apps. We recommend sitting at the bar in the back. If you drink too much, you can take the woody bus back up the hill!
SIDECAR DONUTS The Cinnamon Crumb is awesome, but who can resist the Butter and Salt variety? To die for. Grab one and a Stumptown coffee.
MEMPHIS CAFE A California twist on Southern food. Sit inside if you are okay with loud music or sit outside if you want it quiet. We recommend the pulled pork eggs Benedict and the habanero mango margarita.
LIDO THEATER This original theater (from 1938!) now hosts small cover bands (which we love) and indie movies. The venue is amazing with it’s history and character.
EL MORRO There’s no better view of Laguna Beach than from this hilltop hike. Loop up to the top for an expansive view of the ocean and native wildlife. It’s about 9 miles total, and not too difficult but you’ll be surprised by the workout!
NEWPORT BEACH HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE A tradition in Newport since 1908. Just grab a lawn chair, plunk yourself down on the beach (with a down jacket) and enjoy the amazing boats (big and small) cruising by with lights and music. The best tradition ever.
Pictured: Kenna Bertell Florie (left) and Birgit Klett, co-founders of Beek sandals in Newport Beach.
Photo courtesy of Beek
